Sewage Systems and Land Development

Installing Sewage Systems

Northeastern Public Health regulates and ensures compliance with the Ontario Building Code regarding the installation and maintenance of private onsite sewage systems. Anyone installing a sewage system must follow regulations set out in Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code Act. S.O. 1992. Septic Permits are required to construct/install all types of sewage systems except for Class 1 systems. 

Aerial view of a wastewater treatment plant featuring six circular sedimentation tanks.

When do I need to submit an application?

  1. Constructing a new home or building that will be serviced by an onsite sewage system, not by municipal sewers, will require a Sewage System Permit.
  2. Replacing an existing sewage system that has reached the end of life will require a Sewage System Permit.
  3. Altering or repairing any part of a sewage system will require a Sewage System Permit. A property owner may pump-out and clean their septic tank, the manufacturer may conduct annual service on a treatment unit, but all other work on a septic system will require a Sewage System Permit.
  4. Renovations to an existing home adding fixture units, adding bedrooms, or increasing the finished floor area by more than 15 percent of the current footprint will require a Building Alteration / Change of Use Approval. Adding a secondary dwelling to an existing dwelling will require a Building Alteration / Change of Use Approval.
  5. Changing the use of an existing structure to or from Residential to Commercial, or from one type of commercial to another will require a Building Alteration / Change of Use Approval.

Land Development

Under the Planning Act, Northeastern Public Health is requested by local Municipalities in organized territories, and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the unorganized territories, to comment on proposed severances, subdivisions, minor variances, and zoning amendment. Once the required applications and corresponding documents are submitted, an on-site assessment of the property will be completed.

Aerial view of green farm fields, forests, and a country road under a cloudy blue sky.

Applications

  • Application for Sewage System Permit (please call 1-877-442-1212) and Information Package for a Sewage System Permit (please call 1-877-442-1212) - Required for all new construction, replacements, major repairs and demolitions.
  • File Search Request (please call 1-877-442-1212) - Recommended for all real estate transactions to confirm legal documentation on sewage system and other records retained by Northeastern Public Health.
  • Copy of Septic Record (please call 1-877-442-1212) - Only for property owner at time of installation.
  • Consent, Zoning, Subdivision or Land Use Evaluation (please call 1-877-442-1212) - Required for condition of approval from the municipality or the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for land transactions. 
  • Building Alteration / Change of Use Approval (please call 1-877-442-1212) - Required for renovations, additions, certain new construction projects including garages and decks. 
  • Fee Schedule

 

If you would like to learn more, please call the Environmental Health Team at 1-877-442-1212, email [email protected], or visit your local health unit office to pick up an application.

Applications must be completed by the owner of the property or an authorized agent of the owner.
Design work and approved installation must be completed by a licensed sewage system installer with a valid BCIN*, the property owner or another qualified individual.
*BCIN must be registered and current on the Provincial QuARTS Public Search Registry

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